Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Topic
Top′ic
,Noun.
[F.
topiques
, pl., L. topica
the title of a work of Aristotle, Gr. τοπικά
, fr. τοπικόσ
of or for place, concerning τόποι
, or commonplaces, fr. τόποσ
a place.] (a)
One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, – denominated by Aristotle
τόποι
(literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory. (b)
pl.
A treatise on forms of argument; a system or scheme of forms or commonplaces of argument or oratory;
as, the
. Topics
of AristotleThese
topics
, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult. Blair.
In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct
topic
, but a transcendent that runs through all topics
. Jer. Taylor.
2.
An argument or reason.
[Obs.]
Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no
topics
can work upon. Bp. Wilkins.
3.
The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.
4.
(Med.)
An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc.
[Obsoles.]
Wiseman.
Top′ic
,Adj.
Topical.
Drayton. Holland.
Webster 1828 Edition
Topic
TOP'IC
,Noun.
1.
Any subject of discourse or argument. The Scriptures furnish an unlimited number of topics for the preacher,and topics infinitely interesting.2.
In rhetoric, a probable argument drawn from the several circumstances and places of a fact. Aristotle wrote a book of topics. Cicero defines topics to be the art of finding arguments.3.
Principle of persuasion. Contumacious persons whom no topics can work upon.
4.
In medicine, an external remedy; a remedy to be applied outwardly to a particular part of the body, as a plaster, a poultice, a blister and the like.